First Night Riders Shake It Up at the ABTT Show 2011

At this year's ABTT show, The First Night Riders (FNRs), will once more be shaking their money raising buckets in aid of theatre charity, The Theatrical Guild.

On June3 15-16, at the Royal Horticultural Halls, London, the money-raising motorcyclists will be showcasing photo highlights from last year's charity ride. However this year, they will be looking to top last year's total of £12,000 ($18,000).

The photo slideshow, which features backstage images of number of historically important UK venues, will be displayed on a large screen, provided by Blitz Video and positioned in the Lawrence Hall Foyer.

FNR organizers will be on hand on both show days to sign up any motorbike-riding volunteers looking for adventure. The ride will depart on June 18 from outside of the National Theatre, London, escorted by London police motorbike outriders.

FNR organizer David Edelstein says, "We're delighted to once more be raising funds for The Theatrical Guild. These funds will be used to support people just like us, who, through no fault of their own, need a helping hand. Although none of us know if we will ever need TTGs support, it's reassuring to know that people from our industry care enough to support its continued existence."

TTG is the only theatre charity in the UK that is available to anyone who is or has worked in the theatre -- backstage or front of house -- and offers support and financial assistance to theatre people at all stages of their lives and careers. TTG regularly lends a hand those who want to retrain or develop their careers and has recently launched its own education bursary. The charity also offers financial assistance to those unable to work due to accident or illness, retirees who require financial help to maintain their independence or those who require supplementary funds for nursing home fees or childcare costs.